Mike Rupp’s Skepticism on the Metropolitan Division
Mike Rupp, a former NHL player and now analyst for the NHL Network, recently shared his skepticism regarding the competitiveness of the Metropolitan Division as the 2025-26 NHL season approaches. This comes in light of last season’s performance, where the Washington Capitals led the division, racking up an impressive 111 points, while other teams in the division struggled significantly.
Last Season’s Standings
The Carolina Hurricanes followed, finishing in the 10th spot overall with 99 points, but then came the New Jersey Devils at 16th with 91 points. Both New York teams—the Rangers and the Islanders—finished far down the standings, missing the playoffs entirely, landing in 22nd and 23rd places, respectively, with 85 and 82 points. The Columbus Blue Jackets didn’t fare much better, placing 20th with just 89 points.
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Season
As we look ahead to the upcoming season, questions loom over whether the Capitals can replicate their success, or if they’ll falter. The Hurricanes, known for consistently performing well in the regular season regardless of offseason changes, have bolstered their lineup by acquiring Nikolaj Ehlers and will benefit from a full season of Logan Stankoven. Meanwhile, the Devils are banking on the health of Jack Hughes, with the optimism of Quinn Hughes joining the squad, despite a quieter free agency period for them.
Team Dynamics and Challenges
The New York Rangers are in somewhat of a rebuilding phase, still relying on goaltender Igor Shesterkin, whose talent offers some hope for defying low expectations. They’ve made some defensive additions, including Valdislav Gavrikov, under the guidance of new general manager Mathieu Darche, who has worked to address gaps in their roster.
On the other end, the Blue Jackets, fueled by the memory of an emotionally charged previous season, might surprise fans and contend for a playoff position. The Pittsburgh Penguins, along with the Philadelphia Flyers, are not projected to be strong contenders. The Islanders, perpetually battling for a wild-card spot, face a similar plight as they strive for greater consistency following the mid-season coaching change when Patrick Roy was hired.
Conclusion
Rupp’s assertion that the Metropolitan Division could be the weakest in the league this year could open a pathway for teams like the Islanders to make a postseason return.
In summary, the outlook for the division remains uncertain, with historical patterns suggesting a mix of potential and pitfalls, especially for the teams outside the Capitals and possibly the Hurricanes.
